It isn't just rookie news readers having on-screen meltdowns

AS IF to prove it isn't just rookie newsreaders that have on-air meltdowns - veteran Puerto Rico news man Saúl Cordero has become the latest victim of on-air gaffe syndrome.

Cordero, who is the current anchor of Puerto Rican digital channel WOLE-DT, stumbled over his words on Wednesday night and proceeded to unleash a 20-second stream of gibberish, live on air.

Instead of hearing the latest news stories on Noticias Locales viewers were treated to sight of Cordero shouting random noises, rolling his tongue and blowing raspberries.

His performance has been compared to that of Steve Carell's nonsensical outburst as the newsreader in the film Bruce Almighty.

The 50-year-old veteran's on-air gibberish disaster comes just a week after a rookie news anchor in North Dakota was fired after unleashing a sweary outburst in the opening seconds of his first live broadcast.

A.J. Clemente was sacked after exclaiming 'f****** sh**' within seconds of his first ever broadcast.

He was subsequently sacked by KFYR-TV despite an online campaign urging the station to allow him to keep his job. He has since carried out a media tour of studios including an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Letterman had already expressed his empathy with Clemente while delivering a top ten list in honor of his blunder on last night's show. "What about these goons in Bismarck," Letterman asked Clemente, "are they going to give you the job back?"

So, budding news readers take note - the way to get ahead in broadcasting is to swear at your viewers.